The challenge of keeping base stations PIM-free

In response to the increasing demand for higher data rates, network operators have to push their networks' spectral efficiency to the theoretical limit. Passive intermodulation (PIM) is one source of interference that affects spectral efficiency: it may cause a reduction in the data rate, dropped calls or even non-accessibility of the network.

The challenge for field service teams is to ensure efficient, fault-free installation of cell sites and quick troubleshooting if errors occur. The lightweight and rugged PiMPro Tower series with its easy-to-use interface provides full PIM testing capability, making it ideal to respond to today's challenges in the field.

Features & benefits

Site installation and maintenance

Sites free from PIM and defective components

Thanks to a collaboration with Communication Components Inc. (CCI), Rohde & Schwarz adds the PiMPro Tower PIM analyzer to its portfolio to provide network operators and test service companies with a comprehensive solution for base station installation and maintenance.

It ideally complements the fast VSWR, cable loss, DTF and power measurements of the R&S®ZPH and R&S®ZVH cable and antenna analyzers and R&S®FSH handheld spectrum analyzer.

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PIM and VSWR measurements

PIM and VSWR measurements

Performance ready
to go

40 W × 2 PIM testing capability, -135 dBm sensitivity - in a backpack

Each lightweight, compact unit is protected by a reinforced backpack case. Even in battery mode, the PiMPro Tower can deliver two 40 W output signals. Its excellent measurement sensitivity of -135 dBm and its ability to reduce two-tone transmit signals to 24 dBm (100 mW) make the PIM analyzer the ideal instrument for measurements on base stations and DAS.

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Lightweight and compact

Lightweight and compact

PIM measurements

Why losing time calibrating?

Instantaneous PIM and RL, dynamic PIM vs time and frequency sweep measurements enable users to guarantee a PIM-free site and do not require any previous instrument calibration.

One-port measurements

Users are able to perform PIM, return loss, PiMPont (distance-to-PIM) and distance-to-fault measurements on a single port and without requiring additional hardware.

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Saving time in the field

Saving time in the field

DTF and PiMPoint (DTP) measurements

Simultaneously measured

Distance-to-fault and PiMPoint (distance-to-PIM) are simultaneously measured and displayed on the same graph.

The DTF and PiMPoints results guide users to the fault location.

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DTF and PiMPoint (DTP) measurements

DTF and PiMPoint (DTP) measurements

Report generator

All tasks done, properly documented

Report data for all measurements can be stored in either HTML or PDF file format. Users can combine a limitless series of measurements with different sectors, feeders and color codes in one single PDF file.

Reports can be saved in the PiMPro Tower’s internal memory or to an external USB memory from the unit’s front panel.

Related downloads

Introducing the PiMPro Tower PIM Analyzer from CCI

Get to know the the PiMPro Tower passive intermodulation analyzer, its unique features and benefits.

Expertise in PIM testing

Suspecting PIM issues in your network? Let us help you

More subscribers and higher data rates translate into a constant strain on networks, no matter where. But what could have happened when technicians are notified of low performance yet cannot find any defective components at the BTS site? The answer may be: passive intermodulation, or PIM.

PIM testing: best practices in a nutshell

When it comes to PIM testing, the necessary steps to identify passive intermodulation (PIM) and locate its source are similar to interference hunting. In the end, PIM is an internal source of interference and can have a significant impact on network performance.

Identifying passive intermodulation

Passive intermodulation is nothing new. It has been an issue since the first commercial networks. In GSM, whenever a PIM issue was present, network operators could easily re-allocate frequencies. With 3G and 4G, however, frequency re-allocation is no longer possible. PIM problems have to be dealt with.

HetNets/Small cells: indoor installation

With network planning and network design in the can, the small cell deployment’s most critical phase begins: the actual indoor installation and commissioning. Or did you know that more than 50% of subscriber issues originate in the antenna system?